Report: Colin Cowherd to leave ESPN

Cowherd has been a visible figure at the company since 2003, particularly on the radio side, and ESPN sought to retain him. But his contract was up and he likely will move to Fox Sports for a role that has not yet been determined.

ESPN president John Skipper acknowledged Cowherd's pending departure in a statement to The Big Lead, saying, "We've enjoyed a mutually beneficial run with Colin for over a decade. He came to national prominence on ESPN with his unique perspective on sports and society. Endings also bring new beginnings, for ESPN and Colin, and we thank him and wish him the best."

Jamie Horowitz, the new president of Fox Sports, produced Cowherd on the TV show "SportsNation" at ESPN.